s own words."

When Mrs. Travilla at length rose to go, Elsie clung to her tearfully,
entreating that she would stay a little longer.

"I will, dear child, since you wish it so much," said the lady, resuming
her seat, "and I will come again very soon, if you think there will be no
objection. But, Elsie, dear, can you not come to Ion, and spend the rest
of your holidays with us? Both Edward and I would be delighted to have
you, and I think we could make you happier than you are here."

"I cannot tell you how very much I should like it, dear Mrs. Travilla,
but it is quite impossible," Elsie answered, with a sorrowful shake of
the head. "I am not allowed to pay or receive visits any more; papa
forbade it some time ago."

"Ah, indeed! I am very sorry, dear, for I fear that cuts me off from
visiting you," said Mrs. Travilla, looking much disappointed. "However,"
she added more cheerfully, "I will get my son to write to your papa, and
perhaps he may give you permission to visit us."

"No, ma'am, I cannot hope that he will," replied Elsie sadly; "papa never
breaks his word or changes his mind."

"Ah! well, dear child," said her friend tenderly, "there is one precious
blessing of which no one can deprive you--the presence and love of your
Saviour; and if you have that, no one can make you wholly miserable. And
now, dear child, I must go," she added, again clasping the little girl to
her heart, and kissing her many times. "God bless and keep you, darling,
till we meet again, and we will hope that time will come ere long."

Mr. Travilla was waiting to hand his mother into the carriage.

Neither of them spoke until they had fairly left Roselands behind them,
but then he turned to her with an anxious, inquiring look, to which she
replied:

"Yes, I found her in just the state you described, poor darling! but I
think I left her a little happier; or rather, I should say, a little less
wretched than I found her. Edward, Horace Dinsmore does not know what he
is doing; that child's heart is breaking."

He gave an assenting nod, and turned away to hide his emotion.

"Can you not write to him, Edward, and describe the state she is in, and
beg him, if he will not come home, at least to permit us to take her to
Ion for a few weeks?" she asked, laying her hand on his arm.

"I will do so, mother, if you think it best," Mr. Travilla replied;
"but I think I know Horace Dinsmore better than you do, and that such a
proceeding would do